Picture book biographies are a great, accessible way to explore big topics. They can bring eras of history, artistic and political movements, or scientific discoveries and inventions to life by delving into the stories of the real people who lived them. Often, they include rich back matter for further reading and learning. We’ve rounded up… Read more
Each month in 2026, we’ll feature one of IRW’s Explore More Book Guides (EMBGs). These freely available guides offer everything you need for a deep dive into a book we love. From author/illustrator biographical information to ideas for writing prompts, art projects, further research & text-to-text connections, our embgs have it all. Our January Explore… Read more
When the days grow frosty and the nights sparkle with snow, there’s nothing sweeter than curling up with a good story. This collection is filled with stories that feel like soft blankets—tales that invite young readers to slow down, settle in and let their imaginations wander. We hope you enjoy these 35 book recommendations for… Read more
Jake Burt’s workshop: “Yeah, but how do YOU write?” was a hit at our 2025 Dear Teacher conference! He’s generously provided us with resources from his session: hands-on, steal-able mini-lessons and activities you can drop into a writing lesson (anytime, anywhere!) to build student confidence and create a culture of authorship in your classroom. Bonus:… Read more
Books can transport us to new places and experiences and the books within invite us on adventures like climbing 46 peaks in the Adirondacks, experiencing life on an island in Maine, exploring a cave to learn about stalactites and stalagmites, or jumping onboard a locomotive for a journey on the transcontinental railroad. Which adventure will… Read more
This summer, we invite you to read with the children in your life, explore local libraries, and have adventures with books! The Booklist is packed with 35 great titles for kids pre-K–grade 8. You can support the Booklist by using IRW’s affiliate link on Bookshop.org to purchase any of the books on the Booklist—10% of… Read more
29 recommended titles for dark night reading. Winter 2024 Booklist “I am excited to be editing this booklist as my first in my role as Engagement and Communications Coordinator at IRW. We hope you enjoy this booklist as you settle into the winter months and find a book to share with a youngster in your… Read more
IRW believes in the power of books to inspire, spark curiosity, and open doors and minds. We created this special edition of our Booklist (Spring 2025) and filled it with 60+ of our favorite titles for exploring the natural world. Whether you want to learn about scientists and conservationists, the vast diversity of animals that… Read more
Zine is short for “magazine” or sometimes “fanzine.” A zine is a self-published work, usually a booklet, with a small distribution. Because of their accessibility, adaptability, and creative appeal, zines are great tools for classrooms and library programs. Explore the resources below to get crafting! RESOURCES All About Zines: Webinar Recording This handy guide takes… Read more
The Backstory: In March 2025, IRW gathered 40 Washington County educators at the beautiful Cobscook Institute in Trescott, Maine for a day of hands-on professional development: Dear Teacher, The Climate Education Edition! Generously funded by a grant from the Maine Department of Education Climate Education, the day’s program included keynote speaker Jane Disney of the… Read more
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